Embark Studios has detailed the mechanics and rewards for the first optional progression wipe, or "Expedition," in its extraction shooter Arc Raiders. This system offers a novel approach to the seasonal reset model common in live-service games, giving players a choice between preserving their progress or starting fresh with significant bonuses. The departure window for this first Expedition is scheduled to open next week.
The Optional Expedition System Explained
Unlike the mandatory wipes seen in games like Escape from Tarkov, Arc Raiders' Expedition Project is entirely optional. Players who have reached at least level 20 can choose to sign up during a specific window—from December 17 to December 22, 2025. Those who opt in will have their current Raider's progress completely reset, including their skill tree, level, stash, workshop, crafting abilities, and blueprints. The key exception is the initial onboarding tutorial, allowing returning players immediate access to all maps and potential workshop upgrades from the start. This design philosophy, as explained by Embark, aims to respect player time investment while offering a fresh challenge for those who desire it.
Expedition Window & Eligibility
- Window Opens: 2025-12-17
- Window Closes: 2025-12-22
- Eligibility Requirement: Player must have reached Level 20.
Rewards for Embracing the Fresh Start
The incentive to wipe one's progress is substantial. Players who commit to the Expedition will receive several permanent rewards, including a unique Patchwork Raider outfit, a Scrappy Janitor cap for their robot companion, an Expeditions Indicator icon, and a crucial +12 slots of additional stash space. Furthermore, they will be granted temporary boosts at the start of the next season: a 10% repair buff, a 5% bonus to experience gain, and a 6% increase in materials gathered by Scrappy. The most significant reward, however, is bonus skill points awarded based on the total in-game wealth accumulated on the retiring character.
Expedition Rewards Summary
| Reward Type | Details | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent Unlocks | Patchwork Raider outfit, Scrappy Janitor cap, Expeditions Indicator icon, +12 Stash Slots | Permanent |
| Temporary Buffs | +10% Repair, +5% XP Gain, +6% Materials from Scrappy | Expires if player skips the next Expedition |
| Skill Point Bonus | 1 Skill Point per 1,000,000 coins in stash/value (Max: 5 points) | Permanent on new character |
Calculating Your Skill Point Bonus
The bonus skill points are directly tied to a player's economic success. Embark Studios has confirmed that for every one million coins in combined value from a player's stash and currency holdings at the close of the departure window on December 22, they will receive one additional skill point on their new character, up to a maximum of five points. This system encourages continued play and looting right up until the deadline. The value calculation occurs when the window closes, so there is a final push for players to maximize their holdings before resetting.
The Alternative: Choosing to Stay
For players not ready to part with their hard-earned gear and progression, the option to decline the Expedition exists. Those who choose to stay will retain all their current progress and can continue working on long-term goals, such as building their Caravan. This ensures that players who prefer a continuous, persistent experience are not penalized. In fact, at the start of a new season, players who did not prestige may have a mechanical advantage over those who reset, creating a balanced ecosystem for both playstyles.
What Gets Reset (If you choose Expedition)
- Skill Tree
- Player Level
- Stash Inventory
- Workshop
- Crafting Abilities
- Blueprints Note: Initial onboarding/tutorial is skipped, and all maps/workshop upgrades remain available.
A Strategic Solution for Live-Service Longevity
Embark Studios' approach to the seasonal wipe is being viewed as a strategic and player-friendly innovation. It elegantly addresses common live-service issues like power creep and fear of missing out (FOMO). New or returning players can jump in without being overwhelmed, while dedicated players have a rewarding prestige system that offers cumulative benefits over multiple seasons. The optional nature of the reset respects player agency, making the grind a conscious choice rather than an enforced obligation. As the first departure window approaches, the community is now tasked with a strategic decision: cash in their legacy for a powered-up new beginning or continue to build upon their established empire in the Rust Belt.